Lithuania will continue to stand by Moldova on its European path, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said at a press conference held in Chisinau together with his Moldovan counterpart Mihai Popșoi. The Lithuanian official noted that the opening of accession negotiations marks a new page not only for Moldova, but also for the whole of Europe, IPN reports.

The Lithuanian official said the road to the EU is not easy, but expressed confidence that Moldova will cope with it. Lithuania is ready to host Moldovan civil servants or send experts to Chisinau to exchange experience and assist Moldova in the EU accession process.

For his part, Minister Mihai Popșoi noted that Moldova’s relations with Lithuania are excellent. For 30 years, Lithuania has supported more than 150 assistance projects in Moldova. In the past two years, more than €4 million has been directed to projects in Moldova, for the benefit of the country’s citizens.

Moldova is grateful to Lithuania for its political support and support to citizens offered in the context of the difficulties caused by the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Moldova will continue to provide support to Ukraine, as Lithuania does. “Stability and peace unite us. Our firm desire is to be part of the EU – a territory of peace, prosperity and good understanding,” said Mihai Popșoi.

The visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis to Chisinau takes place in connection with the fifth edition of the Ministerial Conference of the Moldova Partnership Platform set for September 17. Over 65 delegations are expected to take part in the event, including ministers, deputy ministers, secretaries of state of ministries of foreign affairs of the partner states, representatives of the diplomatic corps and of international organizations.